Rowing fans from across the UK and abroad lined the banks of the River Great Ouse on Saturday (10 May) as Bedford welcomed the nation’s rowing community to the 159th Bedford Amateur Regatta.
1,800 athletes raced in a total of 244 races in 43 different rowing categories in one of the most picturesque and popular regattas on the rowing calendar, and with the weather set perfect, it turned into a wonderful occasion up and down the Embankment.
There were races every two minutes, beginning from 8.30am, all the way through to the 244th and final race at 7.15pm between Great Marlow School and Bedford School, completing a bumper card of rowing and the latest edition of an event that was first staged in August 1853.
Back then, there were just eight organised races for just 24 rowers, but now the event is one of the largest regattas in the UK, with boats adorning one side of the river, before pounding their way back down the race course that began at Prebend Street.
The Honorary Secretary of Bedford Regatta, Hugh Maltby conveyed the excitement of the event on what was his 35th year helping run the Regatta having taken over the job from his Father in 1990.
“This is Bedford’s oldest sporting event, founded in 1853, so I feel like I, along with all of our great volunteers are helping to keep the Regatta going each year. It’s a truly fantastic event along the Embankment and showcases the best of Bedford.
“Bedford has had rowing in the town centre since the 1840s and the Bedford Regatta has always remained at the heart of rowing in the town. We get a huge number of volunteers helping which normally runs like clockwork.
“Probably 70-80% of those competing today are what we would class as juniors, between 13 and 18 years old, and I think rowing has a unique mix of improving fitness and mental health as well as camorarderie and teamwork.
“The sun was out, we’ve had a lot of people lining the banks and cheering on their crews. Its one of the largest single day Regattas in the country and we had to close entries a month early due to the popularity of the event.
“Both Bedford Rowing Club and Star Rowing Club are here, and both have junior sections so if you’re interested, please do come down to the club. We’re training most nights and open Saturday and Sunday mornings too”.
On the water, local success came from Bedford School (McGregor) who won the Bedford Grand Challenge Cup in the Open Eights category, beating Abingdon School by 1.5 lengths in the final.
Bedford School (Else) were also victors in the B.S.B.C Quindodecicential Cup, also in the open eights, while Bedford Girls’ School were runners-up in the Watermans Bedford Regatta Shield, one of Women’s Coxed Fours races.
There was also a victory for Bedford Modern School (Norris), who picked up the Bedford Girls’ Challenge Cup in the Women’s Junior 18 Quads.
Bedford Rowing Club and a mix of Bedford and St Neots teams were also represented.
A full list of competitors and winners can be found at the Bedford Regatta website here.
